Washington coach Tia Jackson won’t redshirt freshmen

Many have been watching the Washington sideline, trying to eyeball when heralded freshman Liz Lay (pictured right) will be able to make her debut. Others are wondering if it should happen at all, especially since the Huskies are loaded with underclassmen.
Lay had minor right knee surgery in February and is limited in practices. Coach Tia Jackson said doctors don’t even know when she’ll be at full strength, but Jackson insists that she’s not going to redshirt Lay, a 6-foot-1 forward from Oklahoma City.
“We did not recruit her to redshirt her,” Jackson said. “We’re trying to get her back sparingly and as quickly as possible. I plan on playing the girl this year.”
Potential signees have been spotted around campus, but Jackson is also protective of her final scholarship after signing a flood of players last season. She said she may not even use the final one this season, committing Spokane’s Jeneva Anderson last week.
“It’s going to have to be by the grace of God,” the coach said. “If someone says, hey, I’ve got this kid in Romania or Finland or wherever that just comes our way, we’ll go with it. But we don’t have to sign. We had eight last year and we’re good for two years.”
Washington just completed their final practice before heading to Utah to play Weber State on Wednesday. Jackson said the players were “pissed” at Sunday’s loss to Gonzaga, not showing their true capabilities. Rebounding was emphasized in the session since the Huskies allowed 21 offensive rebounds to the Bulldogs, which more than compensated for the Zags’ 32.4 percent shooting in the game, leading to a 64-59 win.
Juco standout Lydia Young is week to week with a left knee injury that doctors are starting to call “jumper’s knee,” which is basically wear and tear on the body. She is doubtful to play on Wednesday.

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Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!" You can email Jayda or follow her on Twitter.